Were assuming that youre not a professional birdwatcher handling group tours and profiting from this very interesting activity because if so, you should already know the birdwatchers code of ethics by heart. Most probably, youre a newbie at birdwatching. If so, there are a number of things you have to know about your newfound passion in order to avoid committing any unforgivable sin.

RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF LANDOWNERS Always obtain permission first before bird watching on any privately owned property. You can do so either by letter or in person. If the landowner has certain stipulations when it comes to birdwatching activities, make sure that these stipulations are met; otherwise you risk a public confrontation with the authorities.

Use your common sense to guide you when bird watching on private property: dont litter, dont make any noise or cause damage to other peoples property.

KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN Always refrain from littering any site where youre birdwatching. Also, even if the place is already unclean, theres no need for you to make the problem worse by leaving your trash behind.

ALWAYS ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION: AM I DOING ANYTHING THAT HAS A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE BIRDS? If the answer is yes, stop whatever it is youre doing immediately. In exchange for the pleasure you gain from observing these creatures, you owe it to them to respect their rights as living creatures as well.

THINK OF BIRDS AS FAMOUS STARS The mere act of taking pictures can be harmful to birds if youre doing so at too close a range and disrupting them from their normal routines. Think of them as public figures like celebrities, models and socialites. Since asking for their permission is obviously impossible, it is however, possible for you to respect their privacy and take pictures of them from afar.

WHERE YOU PARK YOUR CAR MATTERS Many birdwatchers neglect to exercise proper consideration when it comes to where they park their cars. This is important as well! Parking your cars in front of gates or other forms of entrance and exit and in obstructive parts of streets and roads while you become incommunicado in the woods is one surefire way of bringing down the wrath of people on you.

ALWAYS HAVE YOUR CELLPHONE OR PAGER WITH YOU That way, individuals - especially when theyre park officials, landowners, etc. that have a pressing need to talk to you wont have to go to the trouble of searching for your whereabouts. Of course, make sure that your mobile phone or pager is in silent and vibrating mode.

Thats it. Have fun but play it safe when bird watching!